|| Introduction – 1 paragraph with thesis statement at the end Body – 3 paragraphs – topic sentence starts each Conclusion - 1 paragraph with thesis at beginning
|| Thesis Statement:
1. States very specifically, in one sentence the points of the essay’s topic which will be discussed in the body of the essay
2. Serves as an outline for the body
3. Unifies the essay by giving key words, phrasing, etc. which can be repeated in the body
Introduction:General to Specific
1. Generally discuss the topic to “set the stage” for your observations, feelings, thoughts, research, and explanations of your topic.
2. Focus in on the specific points of your discussion in one clear thesis statement. The thesis statement typically comes at the end of the introduction paragraph.
||
|| Body:Specific, Specific, Specific …
1. Specifically discuss each point of your thesis statement in the order stated in the thesis, usually one paragraph per point.
2. The topic sentence of each paragraph should pick up on key words and phrasing used in the thesis.
3. Give specific proof to support each point. You are like a lawyer proving your case to the readers. Convince the reader that your opinions are valid. Explain how, why and when.
a. Use facts, examples, logical reasons, and statistics to support your point or opinion
b. Use relevant quotes from the story
c. Explain specific parts of the story that support your points
d. Make allusions or comparisons to other literary works, historical events, or current events.
||
|| Conclusion:Specific to General
1. Restate your thesis using different wording, but keep your points in the order you discussed them in the body.
2. Sum up key proofs for your points
3. Make generalizations about you topic based on your proof (What difference does this make to the story, to you, to other people, to the world
|| Three options:
What are the three types of conflict in the short story “The Interlopers” and how do they affect the story?
In what three ways is Mrs. Jones revealed through indirect characterization in “Thank You, M’am”?
Demonstrate and explain the three types of irony in “The Cask of Amontillado.”
Word Bank: Commonly used words and phrasing in essays
A good example of is , illustrates, symbolizes, depicts, shows, manifests, pictures, clearly shows, reveals, highest example of, epitome of
before this, next, another example, also, furthermore, in addition to, after this, besides that, not only … but also, following that, as a result of, because of, finally
However, on the other hand, conversely, in contrast to, yet, nevertheless, contrary to
in conclusion, therefore, thus, consequently, because of, after examining the …
The Dos and Don’ts of Essay Writing
Do
Put the title, author, and genre (short story, poem, novel …) of the work being discussed in the first paragraph
Use good transitions between paragraphs and points in each paragraph
Use literary terms (protagonist, setting, irony, symbolism…)
Make allusions to other works
Use quotes from the work being discussed
Don’t
Don’t write in first person: I, me, I believe, I think, In my opinion
Don’t switch tenses
Don’t refer to the essay itself. For example, “This essay will prove…” “The next paragraph discusses…” “In my third point…”
Don’t say the same thing over and over in the body paragraphs. Use specific and numerous details of proof.
Don’t use contractions or abbreviations. “wasn’t, can’t, won’t shouldn’t…” “&, 4, U, @”
The Five Paragraph Essay
Structure: 5 paragraphs (each paragraph 5-8 sentences)
||
Introduction – 1 paragraph with thesis statement at the end
Body – 3 paragraphs – topic sentence starts each
Conclusion - 1 paragraph with thesis at beginning
||
Thesis Statement:
1. States very specifically, in one sentence the points of the essay’s topic which will be discussed in the body of the essay
2. Serves as an outline for the body
3. Unifies the essay by giving key words, phrasing, etc. which can be repeated in the body
Introduction: General to Specific
1. Generally discuss the topic to “set the stage” for your observations, feelings, thoughts, research, and explanations of your topic.
2. Focus in on the specific points of your discussion in one clear thesis statement. The thesis statement typically comes at the end of the introduction paragraph.
||
||
Body: Specific, Specific, Specific …
1. Specifically discuss each point of your thesis statement in the order stated in the thesis, usually one paragraph per point.
2. The topic sentence of each paragraph should pick up on key words and phrasing used in the thesis.
3. Give specific proof to support each point. You are like a lawyer proving your case to the readers. Convince the reader that your opinions are valid. Explain how, why and when.
a. Use facts, examples, logical reasons, and statistics to support your point or opinion
b. Use relevant quotes from the story
c. Explain specific parts of the story that support your points
d. Make allusions or comparisons to other literary works, historical events, or current events.
||
||
Conclusion: Specific to General
1. Restate your thesis using different wording, but keep your points in the order you discussed them in the body.
2. Sum up key proofs for your points
3. Make generalizations about you topic based on your proof (What difference does this make to the story, to you, to other people, to the world
||
Three options:
Word Bank: Commonly used words and phrasing in essays
The Dos and Don’ts of Essay Writing
Do
Don’t